I am writing to express…

I am writing to express strong opposition to the Province’s proposed amalgamation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities.

Conservation authorities were deliberately created as locally governed, watershed-based organizations. The proposed consolidation into a small number of large regional authorities would significantly undermine this model and weaken environmental protection across Ontario.

Municipal councils and conservation authorities have publicly raised serious concerns about this proposal.

Municipalities fund a substantial portion of operations, yet amalgamation would greatly reduce their influence over decisions, with most municipalities noting that local voices would be diluted within oversized regional structures. I recently learned that the Province contributes less than 2% funding to my local conservation authority budget. Despite this minimal provincial contribution, the proposed amalgamation would increase centralized control while diminishing the influence of the municipalities that fund and rely on the conservation authority's work. This imbalance raises serious concerns about accountability and fairness.

There is no clear evidence that amalgamation will result in cost savings or improved service delivery. Municipal leaders and conservation authorities have warned that transition costs, governance restructuring, and increased bureaucracy may divert resources away from front-line services such as flood forecasting, hazard management, and watershed planning.

Ontario’s conservation authority system is internationally recognized because it aligns governance with natural watershed boundaries. Replacing this model with large, centralized agencies risks imposing one-size-fits-all policies that fail to reflect local hydrology, land use pressures, and community needs, ultimately increasing risks to people and property.

It is concerning to learn there has been a lack of meaningful consultation and transparency. Many municipalities and conservation authorities have stated that they were not adequately consulted prior to the introduction of these changes. Given the scale and permanence of the proposed restructuring, meaningful engagement with municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, and the public is essential before any further steps are taken.

Rather than dismantling a system that has successfully protected Ontarians for decades, the Province should focus on collaboration, stable funding, and targeted improvements within the existing conservation authority framework.